Evaluating mesothelin as an immunotherapeutic target for endogenous T cells

Background Mesothelin (MSLN) is a GPI-anchored cell surface glycoprotein that is overexpressed in various solid tumors, including mesothelioma, triple-negative breast cancer, colon, ovarian and pancreatic cancer, with restricted normal tissue expression. Methods To explore the immunogenicity and immunotherapeutic potential of MSLN to T cells with native receptor specificity, 29 individuals of diverse HLA backgrounds were interrogated for T cell activity against MSLN. Results Twenty one (72%) subjects (21/29) mounted a specific T cell response when repetitively challenged with MSLN antigen. Reactive cells were Th1-polarized, polyfunctional, predominantly detected in the CD8 + T cell compartment and cytotoxic toward autologous and MSLN + /HLA-matched tumor cell lines in conventional 2D in vitro assays. Furthermore, these cells produced anti-tumor effects in a novel 3D tumor spheroid model system established to evaluate the potency of reactive cells against tumors including pancreatic, cervical, and colorectal cancer and mesothelioma. Conclusions These preclinical findings lay the groundwork for further exploration of MSLN as a potential immunotherapeutic target for T cells via the native T cell receptor.